UPDATE 10-15-2018: Beaches Open – Red Tide Threat Still A Possibility

Beaches are open with yellow flags flying. There is some risk that red tide may be in the water. Check with the lifeguard.

10-11-2018 Update on the Red Tide Conditions in the Town of Palm Beach

The most recent testing of the waters off the Coast of Palm Beach County shows reduced concentrations of the microorganism Karenia brevis that causes Florida Red Tide.

The Town’s beaches are open at this time, and reduced levels of red tide are expected to continue through the remainder of the week. The Town will continue to monitor the situation locally and will remain in consultation with the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) as to the results of continued water testing.

PALM BEACH COUNTY NEWS RELEASE — According to samples taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Karenia Brevis organism, which is the species that causes most red tides in Florida, is at least present within the coastal waters of Palm Beach County.

What is still unknown at this time is how high of a concentration is currently in the water. More information will be released upon final results. Additional information will be released this afternoon regarding the status of Palm Beach County beaches.

Some people experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, tearing and an itchy throat) when the Florida red tide organism is present and winds blow onshore. The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas.

Red tides on the East coast of Florida are extremely rare. They can even subside and then reoccur. The duration of a bloom in nearshore Florida waters depends on physical and biological conditions that influence its growth and persistence, including sunlight, nutrients and salinity, as well as the speed and direction of wind and water currents.

There have been 57 occurrences of red tide in the Gulf of Mexico since 1953. Eight of those events have made their way to the east coast in the area of Palm Beach County (with cell counts 100,000 cells/liter or more). All eight of those events originated in the Gulf of Mexico and were carried by currents to the east coast.

Potential Airborne Irritant Affecting the Shoreline Areas of the Town of Palm Beach

Beach visitors and Town lifeguards have reported that health effects including eye irritation, itchy throat, and coughing are being experienced in areas along the shoreline within the Town of Palm Beach. In an abundance of caution, the Town’s beaches are closed at this time.

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, the Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County issued a health advisory due to people experiencing respiratory issues and eye irritation along the beaches in Palm Beach County. The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife are investigating the potential causes of the irritation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife has taken water samples from ten (10) different locations and has sent those samples to their laboratory in Sarasota for testing. Results from that testing are expected today, or Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

People with respiratory problems (such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis) should avoid the beach area at this time. Anyone who goes to the beach and experiences symptoms including eye irritation, itchy throat, and coughing should leave the beach area and seek air conditioning (A/C). If symptoms persist, please seek medical attention or call 911.

While the cause of this airborne irritant is unknown at this time, the Town is in contact with the Department of Health and is awaiting updates at this time.

Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue issues warnings about beach closures

Town of Palm Beach’s beaches have been closed until further notice due to beach goers complaining of medical concerns. Symptoms include skin irritation, burning/teary eyes, coughing, and sneezing. These symptoms are temporary for most, but people with asthma and COPD should avoid the area until officials have given the all clear. The public is advised to seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

This closure includes both Palm Beach’s Main Beach and Phipps Ocean Park, but all of the Town’s Coastline should heed the advisory. Residents and visitors that stay in close proximity to beaches are being advised to stay off of the beaches and stay inside with the air conditioner running to avoid any complications from exposure to the irritants.

Palm Beach’s waters are being tested and results are expected to be returned within 48 hours. Palm Beach Fire Rescue will send out updates as the situation develops.

Press

Beaches in at least 6 PBC municipalities now closed

Several beaches in Palm Beach County remain closed today after multiple beachgoers complained of respiratory, skin and eye irritations.

On late Saturday, Palm Beach County closed county oceanfront beaches from the Martin County line south to Kreusler Park in Palm Beach for 48 hours.
UPDATE, 9:45 a.m.: A sign on Palm Beach’s municipal beach announced the beach was closed today due to red tide.Palm Beach Daily News

Multiple people complained of respiratory, skin and eye irritations along beaches in Palm Beach County today, prompting officials to close many public beaches from Jupiter to Lake Worth and prompting the Florida Department of Health to issue a 48-hour health advisory. Although officials are still investigating the cause, the symptoms beachgoers described are similar to those caused by red tide, the algae bloom that began on the west coast in October 2017 and peaked this summer with a massive loss of sea life in counties from Sarasota to Collier, according to a Florida Atlantic University algae expert.Palm Beach Post

Beaches Closed After People Complain of Breathing and Skin Problems in Palm Beach County

Beaches from Jupiter Inlet to Carlin Park, as well as the Lake Worth Pier and Lake Worth beaches, are being closed as a precaution after “multiple people” complained of problems breathing and skin irritations Saturday afternoon.Sun Sentinel